The Great New York State Fair Offers Free Admission for Older New Yorkers Age 60 and Over on Senior Citizens’ Days Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the Great New York State Fair today announced Senior Citizens’ Days at the State Fair this year will be Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1. NYSOFA and the Fair invite older New Yorkers and their families to visit the Fair on these special designated days, which offer free admission to individuals 60 years of age and older. (ID showing date of birth may be requested.) Senior Citizens’ Days drew nearly 146,000 visitors last year.

“Senior Citizens’ Days at the New York State Fair bring together older New Yorkers and their families in one of the largest inter-generational gatherings anywhere in the State of New York,” said Corinda Crossdale, NYSOFA Director. “Staying involved with the family and maintaining social connections are essential to the health of an aging person, so events such as Senior Citizens’ Days at the Fair provide an ideal opportunity for older individuals and their families to spend time together, have fun and discover new things.”

In addition, NYSOFA Executive Deputy Director Greg Olsen will be on the Chevy Court stage with Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner before the 2 p.m. concerts on both days to present information on healthy aging, the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet, and the benefits available through SNAP. He will also encourage attendees to support New York State agriculture by consuming locally-grown farm products. The 2 p.m. concerts are:

Bowzer’s Rock N’ Roll Party – Monday, August 31

The Oak Ridge Boys – Tuesday, September 1

“We’re happy to be able to set aside these days and celebrate New York’s older citizens with great music, good food, and plenty of helpful information that will be easily accessible over the course of the two days,” said Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner. “The Citizen Preparedness trainings will also be extremely beneficial and we encourage everyone to take part in these courses.”

This year, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) will offer two free Citizen Preparedness Corps Training courses on how to be prepared for and respond to an emergency. The trainings coincide with the Fair’s Senior Citizens’ Days. Those attending will receive a free disaster preparedness backpack of resources useful in emergencies at the conclusion of the training.

Two training classes will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, August 31, and from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1 in the Empire Theater at the Art and Home Center on the Fairgrounds. Pre-registration is required and can be completed on the New York State Prepare website.

Please note, there will be a new reception area for senior group bus and van parking, thus a special parking permit for this location will be required. Please call the Art and Home Center office at 315-487-7711 ext. 1265 to pre-register for this permit.

In addition, fairgoers can use the Fair’s internal tram network for free on these two senior days. Service runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The trams travel around the perimeter road, stopping at 11 scheduled stops.